RSPCA rehomes 3,000 animals in Dorset over a decade
The figures have been released as the charity marks its 200th year
The RSPCA has revealed it's rehomed more than 3,000 animals in the last decade in Dorset.
The figures have been shared as the animal welfare charity marks its 200th birthday in 2024.
The charity has come a long way since 1824 - when founding members of the charity met in a coffee shop in London determined to change animals’ lives.
Now - as the RSPCA enters its landmark 200th anniversary year - the charity wants to inspire a one million strong movement for animals, as the charity aims to 'create a better world for every animal'.
Dorset is served by a team of RSPCA rescuers who save animals and investigate cruelty while also offering welfare advice and help to pet owners in need.
The county is also home to independent RSPCA branches - RSPCA West Dorset Branch; RSPCA Bournemouth, New Forest & District Branch; and RSPCA Poole, East Dorset & South Wiltshire Branch - who rehabilitate and rehome rescued animals and help animals most in need in the area.
These separately registered charities raise money locally to support the animal welfare work they do.
In the ten years up until the end of 2022, the charity's work in Dorset has also provided:
- 10, 737 neutering procedures, to stop unwanted pregnancies and promote responsible ownership
- 1,905 microchips, to help reunite lost pets with their owners
Dermot Murphy, RSPCA inspectorate commissioner said:
“We have even more animals in need of help coming into our care - but at the same time rehoming has been declining sharply, meaning thousands fewer rescue pets are being adopted and our branches and centres are full to bursting.
“We are also faced with increased bills and less donations due to the cost of living crisis which is one of the biggest challenges facing animal welfare right now - and this economic hardship is continuing into our 200th anniversary year.
“But we are determined to rise to the challenge and help animals and pet owners who need us more than ever. That’s why we’re currently asking supporters to Join the Winter Rescue by donating to help our rescue teams reach the thousands of animals who desperately need them.
“Animals are now facing bigger challenges than ever as a result of factory farming, climate change, war and a cost of living crisis. In our 200th year we want to inspire one million people to join our movement to improve animals' lives.
“We’ve been changing industries, laws, minds, and animals' lives for 200 years. Together, there are actions, big and small, we can take to create a better world for every animal.”